Federer will defend his French Open title in Paris later this month

Roger Federer enjoyed his first clay-court win of the year with a 6-3 6-4 triumph over Germany's Bjorn Phau at the Estoril Open in Portugal.

The top seed had a first-round bye and faces Arnaud Clement in the last eight after he beat Alejandro Falla 6-4 6-3.

The win will lift Federer after he lost his first match of the year on clay to Ernests Gulbis in Rome last week.

Federer won the Estoril tournament on his one previous appearance in 2008, beating Nikolay Davydenko in the final.

Afterwards, Federer said he was happy with the result even if his performance was not quite up to his usual standard.

606: DEBATE Fed needs some practice matches. He is rusty on clay laverfan

"Today was a matter of coming through tough situations," he said.

"I played well when I was down 0-40 and serving for the first set.

"This win was not always beautiful but it doesn't matter. I'm sure my best tennis is not far away. I have a bit of a breather now and I'm looking forward to Friday."

Albert Montanes, who won the tournament last year after Federer decided against defending his title, beat Spaniard Daniel Gimeno-Traver 6-1 6-2 and will face eighth seed Pablo Cuevas next.

The Uruguayan earned his place in the last eight as he overcame Marcel Granollers of Spain 7-6 (10-8) 7-6 (7-2).

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